Greece’s Ellinikon Park Emerges as Europe’s Largest Coastal Green Destination Transforming Athens Riviera Tourism

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The Ellinikon Park in Athens, Greece, is becoming one of Europe’s ambitious combined tourism and urban redevelopment projects. It is transforming one of the largest sites of the continent’s urban renewal, covering approximately 500 acres along the Athenian Riviera, and the coast of Greece approximately 8km south of central Athens, into the largest urban park. An €8 billion development initiative plans to add green space to over 2 million square meters within Greece’s capital that will include sports, culture and hospitality, retail and residential facilities and infrastructure. The latest development was the SHORTING in 2026 of the Ellinikon Sports Park, an important new addition to the tourist infrastructure of Athens for the next phase of the project.

The Ellinikon Park redevelopment will completely revolutionize the way international travelers view Athens. The former international airport, that served millions of travelers, will focus on the Mediterranean way of living, merging recreation and nature. The project, in addition to fulfilling the physical needs of Greeks with urban infrastructure, will also fulfill a more important need of changing the traveler’s perceptions of urban vacationing by balancing urban renewal, ecology, and tourism.

From Abandoned Airport To Europe’s Largest Urban Regeneration Project

The Ellinikon is being developed on the grounds of the former Athens International Airport, which closed in 2001 after operations moved to the new Athens International Airport. After years of limited use, the site is now undergoing one of Europe’s largest redevelopment projects under the leadership of LAMDA Development. The wider master plan covers approximately 6.2 million square metres, representing an €8 billion investment programme that includes:

The Metropolitan Park alone will cover around 200 hectares, making it larger than the Principality of Monaco. Once completed, it will significantly increase accessible green space for residents and visitors across the Athens Metropolitan Area. Athens has historically been recognised worldwide for its ancient monuments, archaeological treasures and cultural heritage. The Ellinikon introduces a new tourism dimension by adding a large-scale coastal lifestyle destination focused on outdoor experiences, wellness, sports and sustainability.

Ellinikon Sports Park Opens A New Era For Athens Tourism

The opening of The Ellinikon Sports Park in 2026 marks one of the most important milestones in the redevelopment. The facility has become the first major large-scale public destination delivered within the wider project, opening new opportunities for sports tourism, community activities and international events. The Sports Park covers 287,000 square metres and includes approximately 115,000 square metres of landscaped green areas.

The new destination features:

• Outdoor athletics and track-and-field facilities
• Football pitches
• Throwing grounds
• Basketball courts
• Tennis courts
• Open recreation areas
• Wellness and fitness spaces
• Future Olympic-sized swimming facilities

The facility is designed for professional athletes, local communities, families and international visitors. The Sports Park has already demonstrated its ability to attract major events. Earlier in 2026, the site hosted the EKO Super Special Stage of the FIA World Rally Championship Acropolis Rally, welcoming more than 10,000 spectators. The development strengthens Athens’ position as a destination for active tourism. Increasingly, travellers are seeking destinations that offer outdoor recreation, wellness and experiences beyond traditional sightseeing.

A Sustainable Park Built Around Mediterranean Nature

Sustainability is at the centre of The Ellinikon’s design philosophy. The project aims to create one of Europe’s largest examples of climate-conscious urban regeneration by restoring land, increasing biodiversity and reducing environmental impact. The park design is led by international landscape architecture firm Sasaki together with Greek landscape experts Doxiadis+.

The sustainability strategy includes:

The landscaping approach focuses on plants naturally suited to Greece’s Mediterranean climate. These species require less water while creating new habitats for urban biodiversity. One of the most innovative aspects of the project is the reuse of the former airport infrastructure. Concrete runways and asphalt surfaces from the old airport are being crushed and transformed into construction materials for pathways, rain gardens, retaining structures and public furniture. This circular approach reduces waste while preserving elements of the site’s aviation history.

Preserving Aviation Heritage While Creating The Future

Although The Ellinikon represents a futuristic vision, the project maintains strong links with its aviation past. Historic airport features are being incorporated into the new destination, including the heritage-listed East Terminal building designed by renowned architect Eero Saarinen. Several retired Olympic Airways aircraft are also being preserved as cultural attractions, including a Boeing 747. These aircraft will serve as reminders of Greece’s aviation heritage and the importance of the former airport in connecting the country with the world. The combination of historic preservation and modern development creates a unique visitor experience where travellers can explore both the past and future of Athens.

Iconic Architecture Will Redefine The Athens Riviera Skyline

Beyond the park, The Ellinikon is introducing a collection of landmark buildings that will transform the Athens Riviera.

Riviera Tower

Designed by Foster + Partners, the Riviera Tower has reached its full structural height of 200 metres and 50 floors.

The tower will become:

• Greece’s first skyscraper
• The tallest building in Greece
• One of Southeastern Europe’s most recognisable coastal landmarks

The residential tower is expected to become a symbol of the new Athens Riviera.

Riviera Galleria

Designed by Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, Riviera Galleria will introduce a premium coastal retail and lifestyle destination. The 23,000 square metre development features architecture inspired by the movement of water, with an undulating canopy design. More than 76% of its gross leasable area has already been committed, with completion expected in 2027.

The Ellinikon Mall

The Ellinikon Mall will become one of Greece’s largest retail and entertainment destinations.

Key details:

The development will strengthen Athens’ appeal as a modern European city break destination.

New Residential And Hospitality Districts Expand Tourism Potential

The Ellinikon is creating new neighbourhoods designed around a mix of residential living, hospitality and visitor experiences.

Major residential developments include:

• Little Athens
• Park Rise
• The Courtyards
• Promenade Heights

The Courtyards development includes 324 residences designed by AUDO Architects, while Park Rise has been designed by Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG). The first showcase residences are already available, with wider owner handovers expected from 2027. Hospitality expansion will also play an important role. Future developments include the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Athens and upgrades to Agios Kosmas Marina. These projects will support premium tourism, business travel, entertainment tourism and international events.

Easy Access Makes Ellinikon A New Athens Visitor Attraction

The Ellinikon’s location along the Athens Riviera provides convenient connections for international visitors.

By Metro

Visitors can take Athens Metro Line 2 towards Elliniko Station.

From the station:

• Walking access takes approximately 10–15 minutes
• Local bus connections are available

By Tram

Travellers can use Tram Line 7 along the coastal route. Nearby stops provide access towards the park and Riviera areas.

By Road

The destination is accessible through:

• Leoforos Vouliagmenis
• Poseidonos Avenue coastal road

The site also provides visitor parking with approximately 600 spaces, including electric vehicle charging facilities.

Best Time To Experience Ellinikon Park

The best visiting periods are during Athens’ shoulder seasons.

The most enjoyable time during summer is late afternoon and evening between 5 PM and 10 PM, when temperatures become more comfortable and visitors can enjoy sunset views, illuminated fountains and evening landscapes. The park generally operates daily from morning until late evening, offering free access to public areas.

Ellinikon Positions Athens As Europe’s Next Sustainable Tourism Hub

The Ellinikon Park is Greece’s first example of how modern tourism can be sustainable during its own cultural and sporting development. The Ellinikon project is going to be the largest coastal park in Europe and is a prime example of a urban tourism development. With the first phases of the park premises now open to the public and more scheduled to be finished in the following years, the project is anticipated to be completed and be the new trendsetter for sustainable urban tourism. The project is also creating a Mediterranean tourism destination from what was the deserted and unappealing Athens airport. It is urban tourism in the modern world and an excellent start to Athens new project for its future generations of travelers.